The program was the best thing
that happened to me during my four years at ISU. - Phaiphone Saiyadeth
(Business)

The Tones of Florence program
was truly everything I hoped it could be and more. Through the environment,
the people, the art, the architarah Hembletonecture, and the food, I was
completely immersed in the culture of Florence and Italy. It was truly
a treat for the senses. - Kathryn Strother
(Pre-Journalism)

The Tones of Florence is an amazing
program. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in
studying abroad and really wants to learn about a different culture, a
different time period, and about themselves. - Sarah Hambleton (Music)

The Tones of Florence is a great
program that allowed me to broaden my experiences and interests. It was
a great opportunity for someone like myself, who isn't in a major that
relates to art history or music, to go and experience something so different
and so enriching. I encourage students, whether it relates to their major
or not, to give the Tones of Florence a good thought before they decide
where they want to study abroad! - Abby Pettinger (Psychology)

Tones
of Florence – Summer, 2005The Program Overall

Dr. Bleyle makes excellent use
of local connections to enrich our activities and make our study abroad
trip truly an international learning experience. The readings provided
to us were extremely relevant to the locations we visited and greatly complemented
our on-site experiences.

It was an unforgettable experience
that will be treasured.

This was an amazing experience
and, because of it, I would like to pursue other programs ISU has to offer
as well as continue to travel and experience other cultures post-graduation.

This was an amazing experience
and I would recommend it to all ISU students. It was a great way for me
to be able to study abroad without getting off track on my course of study.
This course also has made me start to consider spending a semester in Florence
to gain greater insight into this incredible area.

This is such a wonderful program
with an indispensable director. Dr. Bleyle really knows his stuff when
it comes to the Renaissance and Florence, and that makes this experience
so special. My time in Florence was indescribable, and I know that is in
large part due to Dr. Bleyle’s expertise and passion for educating his
students and instilling in them the same love for the city that he holds
deep in his heart. The Tones of Florence program is a gem at Iowa State,
and it is a much-needed opportunity for students who want to study abroad
but cannot afford an entire semester, be it financial or academic issues.
The appreciation for a foreign culture and understanding of a rich history
that one gains by participating in this program is great, and I look forward
to returning to Florence for the semester program in 2007.

This was an absolutely wonderful
program and I would go again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend it to anyone
interested in going.

Wonderful instructor; exceeded
my greatest expectations.

Highlights of the Tones of Florence,
2005 as seen through the eyes of the students

I loved that we were able to attend
two operas during our stay. Another highlight for me was the amount of
art that we were able to view. I especially enjoyed the Uffizi and the
Bargello.

The class preparing for the field
trip was interesting and fun, and I expected to see renowned Renaissance
art and impressive cathedrals while in Florence. However, I also witnessed
the Savonarola Festival, the Mille Miglia, high mass in the Duomo on Pentecost,
a chant vigil at the Badia, and a parade with 70 brass bands. And best
of all, I experienced two weeks in beautiful Florence with twelve new friends.
The two weeks living in Florence was remarkable enough to make the “top
five” experiences in my life. We saw many other study abroad groups while
in Italy, and after visiting with students in those other groups I could
see clearly that our experience was better planned. Because we were better
prepared and our participants were better screened, our study abroad experience
was much richer. During the layover on my flight home, I was even “interviewed”
by an advisor of another study abroad program, who took notes about how
our program was structured.

Being able to see so many old historical
sites, facts, etc.

Seeing all the churches and museums
in Florence and the amazing artwork.

Experiencing Italian culture and
history.

Tours around Florence with Dr. Bleyle
and Niccolo Capponi, both operas (Don Giovanni and Tosca), Renaissance
dinner, exploring the town on my own.

Entries to places that tourists cannot
frequent.

All of the amazing artworks (sculptures,
paintings, frescoes, etc.) and ancient ruins.

Experiencing the many different aspects
to the culture, i.e., music, art, food, scenery, people.

The statue of David and culture all
around.

Everything about Florence.

The following students are willing
to share their experiences in Florence with any interested students: